Hollywood Theatre

4122 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97212, USA

Related:	tanforan movie theater
Address:	4122 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97212, USA
Phone:	+1 503-493-1128
Site:	hollywoodtheatre.org
Rating:	4.5

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 9

Christopher Little

When you want to escape the modern "Hollywood *Blockbuster* Movie Machine", Portlands Hollywood Theatre is the ideal location. First off, this movie theater has existed here in Portland for over 90 years and is named for the Portland neighborhood of Hollywood, not the shiny LA tourist mecca (albeit, the neighborhood was named after the movie capital... another story for another time), so dont make assumptions about this venue being from Hollywood (CA). In 90 years, this theater has hosted vaudeville, silent movies (with live accompaniment), 35mm films, 70mm films, Circarama cinema, fashion shows, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, and most dramatically, in 1997 was engulfed in a devastating fire. Since the fire, the Hollywood became an educational and historic non-profit jewel of Portland and has spent the last 2 decades providing opportunity and education to the region while continuing restoration to the facility. While I can recommend the Hollywood Theatre for the first run films it screens, I find the extras that only the Hollywood provides as fantastic unique opportunities. Nowhere else have I enjoyed so many different, varied, and unique cinema experiences (especially since I HAVE lived in Hollywood, CA). Among my favorite *events* at Hollywood include: Gay, and, Black film festivals, seeing/re-seeing 70mm films (Lawrence of Arabia, 2001) on the big screen in their original format, ability to view the annual Oscar nominee "shorts" reels, attending the live Academy Award broadcasts in black tie, seeing silent films (esp, the theaters original feature, More Pay, Less Work) with *in-house* organ accompaniment, losing at "The Movie Quiz" trivia nights, finally re-seeing the "Star Wars Holiday Special" after nearly 40 years, finally seeing classic *Walt era* Disney animated features (Sleeping Beauty) not on video or public library quality film, and lastly, my favorite (film buffs, dont judge): the annual presentation of the Internet Cat Video Festival, on the big screen. Go! See! Support!

Amy Lockwood

Ive been going to the Hollywood Theater ever since I was allowed to go out to see movies with my friends when I was a kid. I saw Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles here in a double feature with Tremors for $1.50! Before it was renovated in 1975, it was one large theater with a balcony, but since has been split to a main theater on the ground level, with two smaller theaters upstairs. It still has the charm of its original architecture & facade, while offering up new fun! They host great events, such as shows in Hecklevision, B-Movie Bingo & Kung-fu Theater. The Hollywood Theater is the only building in Portland to have its own neighborhood named after it, changed from Hollyrood to Hollywood District not long after the original theater opening in 1926. If you get a chance, stop by for a show. You wont be disappointed!

A Private User

If you are one of those people that loves corporate megaplexes with massive screens and sound systems that cause tinnitus after seeing one movie there, stay home! I personally would rather NOT be at a movie in which I can feel the booming vibrations of myriad explosions in the action movie in the theatre across from me. Thus, I love this place. Its a historic theatre, so it has that incredible feeling of being transported back to a different era in which movies were a grand event. It also shows mostly art and indie films which is brilliant as I have absolutely no interest in watching the newest Michael Bay summer block buster. Another perk is that it was fairly recently renovated, so it does have comfy seat which I know can be an issue at historic theaters. All in all, this is a safe haven for film lovers out there.

Daniel Quasar

UPDATE 2015: I have grown to love this place even more over the years and after experiencing what its like to partake in shows being produced, I love them even more. Great space, great food, great people. The remodel of the inner space and the outer sign has really polished their overall and I couldnt be happier. FIRST REVIEW: I have not been disappointed by this theater yet. They play interesting films and its getting me out of my box with what I like to go and see. The prices are great and the food is so much better than your typical cineplex. I only wish they had a little more money to make the interior look more utilized. A lot of empty space upstairs. Overall, a great place to go hang out with friends and see something interesting and fun! And catch your favorite TV show with 100s of people.

Marie T Fisher

I was able to attend the roadshow showing of The Hateful Eight in 70 mm at the Hollywood Theatre. I love the old-timey feel, the history, the super friendly staff, and the the reasonably priced concessions and local beers. Since you reserve tickets online, the only thing that would make it better is if you could also reserve your seat in advance. Many other theatres have moved to this system, and it allows you to show up closer to the showtime without needing to scramble to find a seat. (Here, many people "save" their seats and then head out to the concession line.) I recommend getting on the e-mail list, as youll get a heads up about whats coming, but youll also get a lot of slightly annoying requests to become a member, which probably isnt such a bad idea if you come here often.

A Private User

Right of the bat, the Hollywood Theatre looks as if it has more to offer than the average Regal, and it doesnt disappoint. Ambiance: 3/5 You have to give the Hollywood a little slack in terms of how it looks, especially on the inside. The place is a nonprofit and constantly working at renovating and making repairs Prices: 5/5 Prices are under what it costs to go to a Regal, plus you know that youre giving your money to a good cause. Service: 4/5 Just like every place you go, there are people who are nice, there are people who arent, and there are people who are just okay. One thing you should know is that those who are there are volunteers! The Hollywood is THE place to go to go see artsy flicks.

Michael Smith

Weve been to Hollywood twice, but have yet to see a movie. Apparently there is no system in place to keep people from just walking into movies without paying - both times weve been weve had to get refunds because there are no seats available. Apparently people either move from movie to movie, or just walk right in and go see what they want. Even showing up 15 minutes early to the show, we could not find a seat in the place - Incredibly frustrating! Gosh wed love to see a movie in such a cool movie house, but I think were done trying at this place. Let us know when you figure out how to make sure paying customers get what they paid for!

Dylan Cascio

What isnt amazing about the Hollywood theatre?! The staff is great, their theaters are comfortable and air-conditioned, and the movies OH GOD THE MOVIES!!! Theres a 70mm projector to delight your inner film geek. Showing an incredible range of current films and older classics, they also have film series focusing on music films, cult classics, b movies so-bad-theyre-good, and to top it all of they also run an education and youth outreach program in the public school system. This is one of the premier movie theatres in the nation and I am honored and proud to be their patron.

Jaclyn Smith-Moore

My absolute favorite theater, the Hollywood, has a unique decor, mixed with an eclectic selection of films to satisfy any film connoisseur. The movies range from black and right classics to modern documentaries and films. Theyre also one of the few theatres still showing 70mm films. Just make sure you purchase tickets ahead of time and arrive early as seats fill up quickly. On top of that, the beer selection is pretty good and the Pie Hole, a hole in the wall to the neighboring pizza parlor, is the icing on the cake. I cant recommend this place enough.